Rhode Island House Bill 5186, a measure to temporarily decriminalize psilocybin that was introduced today by 10 state representatives, has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
Dried psilocybin mushrooms.
Sponsored by Representatives Potter, McNamara, Batista, Craven, Donovan, Speakman, Spears, Slater, Bennett, and Cruz, the legislation would decriminalize the possession and personal cultivation of small amounts of psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms. The bill includes a sunset provision, with all measures expiring on July 1, 2027.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals could possess or share less than one ounce of psilocybin without facing criminal penalties. Additionally, the bill would allow for the secure cultivation of psilocybin in a person’s residence for personal use. However, the bill includes several contingencies tied to future actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If the FDA reschedules psilocybin, the Rhode Island Department of Health would be required to establish regulations regarding its cultivation, distribution, and medical prescription. Furthermore, if the FDA expands its access program, the bill would permit patients with severe mental or behavioral health conditions to access psilocybin through approved locations in the state.
Before the bill’s sunset date, the attorney general must submit a report detailing violations related to psilocybin possession, cultivation, or distribution. Additionally, the Department of Health would need to report on the FDA’s progress in rescheduling psilocybin and its use for treating mental health disorders.
If enacted, the law would take effect on July 1, 2025.
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